Canon's 5MP metal ultracompact of 2005 — 3x 35-105mm zoom, DIGIC II, SD storage; SD400 in the US
The Canon Digital IXUS 50 was a 5-megapixel ultracompact released in February 2005, the step-up from the 4MP Digital IXUS 40 in Canon's metal-bodied pocket line. It was sold as the PowerShot SD400 Digital ELPH in North America and IXY Digital 55 in Japan. It is a different camera from the APS film IXUS Z50 and from the later Digital IXUS 60.
It combines a 5.0-megapixel 1/2.5-inch CCD with a 3x optical zoom covering 35-105mm equivalent at f/2.8-4.9, driven by Canon's DIGIC II processor. The rear LCD is 2.0 inches at 118k dots, movie clips record at 640x480/30fps, and storage is SD/MMC. Power comes from the compact NB-4L lithium-ion battery, and the body measures 86x53x20.7mm at 130g.
The IXUS 50 remains a likeable pocket camera for everyday and travel snaps, with the era's CCD colour that draws digicam revival buyers. The lens is usefully bright at the wide end, though there is no image stabilisation and high-ISO output is limited, so it favours daylight and flash-range shooting.
Check the NB-4L battery holds charge — cells and chargers are still easy to source, third-party included. SD/MMC storage poses no obstacle. Inspect the metal shell for dents that can bind the lens, confirm the zoom extends without error, and review a test shot carefully: mid-2000s Canon compacts were touched by the industry-wide Sony CCD defect, so verify the sensor renders normally.